One of the great things about having a community paper is the opportunity to really get to know our local business community. It is diverse. From financial services, to real estate, to the local Mom & Pop stores; they all work in tandem to ensure our local economy keeps chugging along. Our retail businesses and restaurants are the heartbeat of that economic engine. It is important we support them.
Did you know that for every $100 you spend in a local, small business $68 remains in the community in the form of taxes and ancillary spending? This is a good thing because it enriches the entire business community, gives people jobs and is even good for the environment. When you buy local you tend to develop a relationship with those establishments you frequent which leads to better customer service and experience. We have all been frustrated by calling an 800 number to return a poorly purchased item, been transferred four different time only to give up and re-gift the item for someone’s birthday.
Drive around Greenwich. Look at all the stores and restaurants. Better yet, do this. Have someone drop you at the Famous Greek Kitchen in Byram for breakfast. Then go to River Bicycles in Glenville for a new bike. Ride down post road (wear a helmet!) to the central business district. Park and lock your bike at the top of Greenwich Avenue and check out all the local businesses. Stop in Out of the Box for summer beach wear. Continue down The Ave and visit Diane’s Books. You can’t go to the beach without a good book! Come back to your bike via Liberty Way and check out Sophia’s for a costume for a party. If all that walking is hurting your feet stop by Threads and Treads for a new pair of running shoes. By now you should have worked up an appetite so you will need to stop in Caren’s Cos Cobber for a yummy lunch. After go to Estate Treasurer to see what bargains they have to offer. But don’t stop there. Head to Old Greenwich and visit Lily Shoes for a new pair of shoes and Cook and Craft for the perfect sauce pan to make dinner.
Our point is there are many interesting and unique stores and restaurants in town to visit. When you purchase an item on line, it may be quicker but it does nothing to help the local economy. Shopping locally also has the benefit raising property values. Vibrant neighborhood shopping areas, like Cos Cob, are an advantage when selling your home because it makes your home more valuable. It also strengthens our community. Local businesses are often owned by people who live in our town, go to our churches and synagogues, donate to Kids in Crisis and coach little league teams. When we shop locally, we are supporting our neighbors.
Local businesses also give a community its personality. You can visit almost any town in the country and find a McDonald’s that sells the same burger you can get at the McDonald’s here in Greenwich, but nowhere else will get a scallop salad as good as the one at CREW restaurant. You can order from Amazon, but if you want to ensure you little ballerina’s Pointe Shoes fit properly you should visit Beam & Barre. The combined presence of our town’s many local businesses makes Greenwich different from every other town, not just in the country, but in the world. By supporting local businesses you are ensuring that uniqueness is preserved as part of our community. And it’s not just the retail and restaurants. Visiting weekly Farmer’s Markets is a great way to support agriculture in our state and get fresh, locally grown produce. Does your child actually want green eggs? You cannot get them at a super market, but you can at a farmer’s market.
Think local. Buy local.
